Getting a customers newly purchased R129 Mercedes SL 320 back to mechanical best! WHAT DO WE FIND!?

[@sprautos]

Good to still work on the golden era of Mercedes. What do you all think to a new series? Customer buys…….? Let me know your thoughts on this one. Hope everyone is well and having a good week, all the best everyone. Enjoy 🎉

[@zeeRooster]

Every video you post is quality 👌. Nice to see variety with the old stuff, and nice to see the newer stuff aswel. Makes my job a little easier watching these videos cause mercs can be quite complicated when you dont have the experience with them

[@im2561]

All the content is gold and very appreciated, keep the good work coming please. All the best from the 🇳🇱✌️

[@proudpureblood.9847]

Anything that delivers more content is a good idea.

[@philc5513]

Love an R129. Customer buys could be a great series.

[@chrismoran161]

Love the posts I run a 1989 420SEL W126 down here in oz still drives lovely over engineered and built like panzer 😁

[@grahamhughes707]

Great to see a specialist at work. Great in depth look at this classic. I love these Mercedes SL,s I'm sure the customer will be over the moon, I know I would be.

[@jimjam1934]

That's a proper timing chain, not like the bicycle chains they use now on BMW's

[@ftffighter]

I loved the in-depth look at this beautiful classic and I tried liking as many comments as possible to boost you in the algorithm a little! You are so good at explaining the engineering that goes into these cars and the parts that make them tick, you honor these cars with your knowledge, blood, sweat, and tears. Without you and everyone else at SPR Auto, I'm willing to bet a lot of these Mercs and AMG's would no longer be existing. Which in the UK, seems like a huge ratio considering the amount of them in the US alone.

[@petrolhead28]

Lovely to see that merc quality and an owner maintaining a car so well engineered. Not cheap things to maintain but lovely to drive.

[@Czechbound]

No corners cut. Doing job properly with a view to longevity of the repair, and satisfying customers that become longterm customers. A quality approach, that should command a premium. And you're obviously so experienced in what you do, that you put in preventative fixes as you go. There's so much knowledge we can pick up watching your videos (either specific to MB models we may own, or are transferable to other marques/ models). That's why we love your videos. I love these "Customer buys .... " videos as they are very 'real world'. I guess he didn't get a pre-purchase inspection (aways risky), so I guess the price he paid was too good to pass up either way. *PS : Nice to see you covering the seats. A quick insurance against accidnetally spoiling the interior*

[@johnmcdonnell81]

Great to see work on this era of Mercs. Hopefully there's more to come, like W140"s and W124's. Wouldnt mind seeing vids on W126"s either Keep up the good work, even if its on the later stuff that I avoid buying.

[@jrh86]

Thoroughly enjoyed this in depth video thank you for saving a classic Mercedes-Benz.

[@skytrakvideo]

Great video, the camera work and video production gets better every time, very entertaining, better than the crap car shows on TV 👍

[@sprautos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JH-hj9uz]

@@sprautos hello from NZ (not much merc support over here except for dealer 😞)...Have you guys done a video on any steering angle sensors? I have an R350 with an intermittent EPS fault because of the steering angle sensor code fault N49? Lock to Lock not resetting it. Can you repair them rather than replace, A video on these parts would be good if you deal with that fault much cheers

[@markstanton5882]

Great to see you working on these cars but a sad reminder that the cars they produce today are simply disposable items compared to cars they used to produce.

[@ericdilks9044]

Wot a modiest guy and a great garage does the job right!!!!

[@zach359]

Love it when you bring the classics and modern classics on.

[@jamesdunican1750]

Good old Mercedes Can’t beat them

[@erniestarkey8856]

I am a pretty good self mechanic. Just changed my driver glass in my S560 after it cracked. I could watch this content all day. Thanks for great videos. Mercedes for life.

[@stevie750iL]

So comforting to watch you and your colleagues do an honest professional job on a car. You and your channel have restored my faith in humanity 😊😊

[@wouterleenders]

Proper wrenching💪🏻 Thanks for sharing (R129 owner)

[@BerwhaleTheAvenger-b5s]

Excellent! Good to see one of these (or any 30 year old car) getting properly maintained. The aerial fix was the icing on the cake. It'll be a big bill but I bet the owner is dead chuffed that it's all been done correctly.

[@0702gjh]

Always good to watch a ‘proper’ technician not just one that plugs in a diagnostic tool! Often toyed with getting an ‘old’ Merc but too frightened of upkeep albeit you don’t rip off your customers like some main dealers. Really enjoy these videos hope that you continue, thanks.

[@TheKeenMechanic]

It is a pleasure working on these older cars. They were very well built as no expense was spared during the development. Some of the older models had no max. budget. Newer cars are better in some ways but much worse in other ways and reliability is terrible. I can tell you put in a lot of effort and love in this one. Nice to see there are still owners that are happy to pay for a proper fix.

[@garylangton6798]

Great one brand car channel with quality workmanship / honesty and care which is quite sadly lacking these days. Being a very recent convert to this brand, i can see what i've been missing out on, albeit only in "classic" form, W210 E280 V6. Only drive old cars 🤣, yes i know these rusted away badly, but i only brought it as it was a rare survivor with 2 long term owners and cared for. I'm no stranger to old cars,restoring and maintaining them and have three other classics to choose from, but this is always the first set of keys i grab. I can't believe how well it drives and the comfort level for a 26 year old car, admittedly it only has 87000 miles on it, but what a car 👍. Ever hopeful you may get one in the workshop one day, great channel, enjoy the content and the laid back approach to how you film it.

[@frederikebert1985]

I own a 94 E320 wagon with 265k miles on it. Wonderful engine!!!!

[@sprautos]

keep it going

[@Millennial_Manc]

You just about broken it in then

[@As_129sl]

You replaced the headgasket?

[@pamed76]

Unfortunately everything comes to an end. My 1984 280SE will not live forever. Problem is that I’m having physical difficulties to properly maintain her. You make me so very happy, and that’s why I’m always looking out for a new video, that you put all the hard work in to keep these cars on the road. And you’re right, they don’t make them like that anymore. Thank you for the time showing us what you do. You’re not only a shop owner specializing in only Mercedes. You’re helping people who love the brand. Kudos!

[@mrsinghsgarage]

Really enjoyed this one. Nice to see a classic being well looked after. Top job Sam👍🏽

[@tramptruck4859]

I bought a very cheap '94 V8 five years ago, did all the maintenance that hadn't been done, re-did what had been done and now daily drive it. Nice to see someone who knows how to do the job right, and also when to leave well enough alone!

[@philsagar2373]

great video to see a car get some attention to detail areas on service etc, most cars these days never get that level of maintenance due to main dealer charges, and pressures on timescale for each job, so hence they only do the basic stuff needed, and most folk just cant afford their prices anymore on older cars.

[@nomebear]

My partner and I enjoyed repairing all of the problems on our 450SL making it super teliable and solid. It looked very nice, and we knew that the new owner would love it. We later saw the new owner in a different colored 450SL. In talking with him, we were surprised that he bought our rust free car for parts. And sold rverything he didn't use.

[@georgedaville4662]

Love that model of Mercedes. Great to see a very informative video of how to correctly maintain these vehicles, but with the added bonus of you sharing your knowledge of all the nuances and little niggles on these cars. Really enjoyed this one Sam and I think more of customer buys would be a great idea. 👍😎

[@sprautos]

Glad you enjoyed it! much appreciated

[@briansmith2570]

Another enjoyable video. I am finding that what I appreciate the most are the detailed explanations of the work done. The “ why’s and what ifs” of what has or has not been done and the necessity of accomplishing certain tasks or repairs.

[@williamstoutjesdijk-ry2oz]

Was an enjoyable video. As always thanks for posting them….. 👍🏻😃

[@paulknight1332]

Great to finally see some R129 content 😃.I didn't realise the 320 of that year had coil packs - mine is a later M119 which does. It also looks like I might need to get my brake fluid changed sometime soon. Thanks for an interesting upload!!

[@jacquesvanzyl374]

One thing i like about these m104's are the double row timing chain......Great video , thank you Sam

[@keithexum7312]

The flame was in frame! Love it!

[@wolfgangezeh5021]

Yes!!! My feel-good dose of SPR.

[@nightstorm9128]

One of the last great engines Mercedes made,,Every component was quality and top notch,,No corners cut,,,Its embarrassing how bad there engines are today,,,

[@newbeginnings8566]

A big service but it was needed... Just to show people buying cheap old Mercedes that even relatively basic work will still require a budget set aside. I definitely would have asked for that harness / coil pack overhaul.. That's a breakdown waiting to happen.. Another enjoyable video - thanks

[@Eryrwen]

Bloody brilliant. I love this channel.

[@stanleywhippy60]

I really enjoy watching your videos on Mercedes from Sydney, Australia. We had a B200 and couldn't find an honest mechanic to do the repairs.

[@andrewfwallace4582]

SPR have to be congratulated for this video, superb workmanship, attention to detail and presentation. another sorted Mercedes for the customer. Customer Buys a great idea, and also like when you buy , repair and sell, I wish you could open a franchise north of the border for my clk service and maintenance.

[@davidorama6690]

Nice. I will drive an SL at some point before I lose my license due to age.

[@tonychavez2083]

Absolutely love the M104, as mentioned "it puts modern engines to shame" in terms of durability and reliability....

[@treacadelic]

Vids are getting better all the time. You're all really finding your feet here. Great stuff as always.

[@martynm.449]

A very enjoyable watch. Thank you.

[@Ahm.nae-fou]

Hs ha ha, my 92 a124 has all the same issues. The roof cost me ca 1400 this year, I was thinking about dumping it but thanks to your videos i ❤saw how much other models cost and decided to keep it for the time being.❤

[@Millennial_Manc]

1400 Canadian bucks? For a repair or a new one? If that was for a new one you did very well. I bought a 97 A124 last month and I adore it. How are you finding owning one?

[@Ahm.nae-fou]

@@Millennial_Manc it was 1400 euro for the hydraulic pump. I have owned it for almost 30 years so I'm quite happy.

[@davidstevens1547]

Mercedes as they were in days gone by. Great engineering and nice colours. Shame they don't do the same now. Very informative video.

[@pking6402]

Great job mate. The old adage rings true, they don't make them like they used to especially mercs. Also like your laconic style too many others make the video about themselves and not the job. Sweet.

[@davidcontini7217]

Extremely competent and professional.

[@arthurdardalis]

Love the R129! Excellent work, fantastic attention to detail, greetings from Athens, Greece!

[@sprautos]

Thank you very much!

[@waltsmith5255]

I wish all new Mercedes auto box had a dipstick 😊

[@sprautos]

same, and an engine dipstick

[@russcooke5671]

How do you check the oil with no dipstick ???

[@garethbird4259]

Great car, but with that bill I'm glad I can look after my W126 myself! ❤

[@sonykroket]

Sam the Man and the Nath.................always a Mercedes treat

[@lestrem11]

Thanks for a round up of costs. Most of the viewers will be interested in just how much these older cars cost to maintain. This would be a lovely ‘weekender’.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

What a great episode, it reminds me of my own journey improving my own R129 with the M104 engine after purchase although mine is newer but leggier. I've been a coward and not tackled the crankshaft front oil seal or cam cover seal yet; I wish you were nearer to me!

[@oscarcat80]

For me, classic dashboards are just timeless. Thanks for taking the time to make these, great insight to the inner workings of a car

[@allanmaureenmacintyre4474]

Excellent, informative and easy to watch. Like all your videos. 👍

[@joparish1037]

Really nice to see the wing protection etc in place. Shows a high degree of respect for the customer and their car. It might seem a small point to some but so many videos out there, even quite big names and TV shows, which never do this, just lean over the wings in their grubby overalls with spanners and other tools in their hands! Keep up the good work - lovely to see a real specialist at work! 👍

[@jimross5806]

Superb, a stunning looking Merc that. Another great video 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@wernerdanler2742]

You lucked out on that aerial. A lot of them break off on the flexible part inside. Then you have to take it all apart to clear it out before you can put the new mast in. I've had to do that a few times. Cheers! 😊

[@georgedaville4662]

Absolute pleasure watching you work on this car Sam. The attention to detail and small tips for enhancing the serviceability of the vehicle for the future. The detail on the gearbox service was particularly useful, all sorts of pitfalls awaiting the unaware!

[@PitSmok]

Let's go, timeless design, legend of a car👍👊

[@guvp560]

Great work as always! As a W201 and W124 owner its great to see this type of content on the older Benz's.

[@johnmclean4187]

Love your video's Sam the older mercs are superior to the later models in my opinion

[@garryc8744]

Its amazing to see how well engineered that car is compared to newer models and its also one of my all time favourite mercedes models!

[@johnrob6132]

Great video. It`s a pleasure to watch a good mechanic with great knowledge and expertise at work and explaining everything as he goes along, at the same time training his apprentice to be able to do the same thing in the future. Hope you will continue to keep your channel going. The customer buys looks a good series to continue.

[@danielmccarthy1982]

Loved that bit of Morris dancing you and Nathan did with the back box.

[@JeffPower-dv3zl]

❤😂🎉😊

[@conorhanley9009]

Class would love to see a W140 sec 600 on the channel sometime, keep up the great work ✌️🇮🇪

[@danricci6996]

Another AWESOME vid !!!! The owner is so lucky to have you. Quick question: Is the transmission pan genuine MB? I thought they are NLA. Thank you.

[@sprautos]

Yes it was genuine.

[@jjimmyrjagger]

Great video as usual "always " keep em coming 👍

[@jjimmyrjagger]

Keep em coming 🤣🙄

[@greggee5695]

Just a tip, when you drain the converter if you just crack a cooler line at the trans it lets air in and the converter drains straight out like the sump does.

[@angelagzx14]

That's good work I bet most mechanics would have left it how it was and not helicoil the bolt holes. You are great.

[@Orwic1]

Beautiful car: good to get it back to such great condition. Love to see such meticulous attention to detail and ‘doing the jobs right’. Thanks for uploading this: every time I watch one of your videos I learn a lot!

[@markstanton5882]

These are great videos and you obviously have a great deal of skill and professional pride in your work. Please keep them coming!

[@mikefellows3901]

A great watch as ever mate ! Many thanks

[@jeremyaustin9103]

Fantastic proper Merc. Really like M104 engine. They sound incredible when the variable valve thingy comes into play higher up the rev range. Then when you are finished playing... back into waft mode

[@steveclement9815]

Another brilliant video Sam, it is really good that you take the time to show everyone the detailed work that is involved in maintaining a Mercedes. Great channel, rapidly becoming my favourite youtube cannel.

[@bassman4693]

Great video really informative and so good to see all the care and professionalism going into the work. Good idea on the 'customer buys' - Yes please.

[@alexbrown1995]

A pleasure to watch. I had to smile when you removed that seized bolt. I use exactly the same method and it is so satisying when it finally frees up. Thanks guys.

[@Faridthecarreviewer]

This guys has the best poker face ever 😂😂😂

[@sprautos]

😂

[@Millennial_Manc]

R129! Now you’re talking 😍 Bruno Sacco said it is his “most perfect car”. Can’t wait to get home. Counting down the days till mine gets some TLC from your guys in December. It’s gagging for an oil change and gearbox service and maybe K1 K2 springs. Fitted my own dash speakers (only took me 3 hours…) but still trying to pluck up the confidence to do the halogen H4s! It’s a wonder I can put my own petrol in.

[@sprautos]

your the next customer buys...... video! if thats cool with you.

[@Millennial_Manc]

@@sprautos Hell yeah. As long as you put some sad music on if Dronsfields have to collect it at the end!

[@RHus14]

Love the r129s. Thanks for sharing.

[@frankirvine316]

Good Job Sam, Lovely colour and nice trim combo Definitely good to know FSH for sure Cheers Frank✅

[@modmod392]

Nice to see a two row chain 😊

[@johnmcmahon4364]

Great video really interesting,I am not a Merc owner but seen you on dealer chat on Shifting metal

[@51madmitch]

Excellent and very informative video, proper analysis and repairs, regarding OEM parts it’s worth remembering Mercedes use parts that other companies make under license, (then put their name on with a BIG mark up in price, as do other car companies!!!) they don’t make everything themselves, such as ATE brake parts, at a fraction of what Mercedes want, I think Febi are also very good and under license, Continental belts are excellent, worth checking out first,

[@stephengeorge9055]

Great service 👍

[@naheemhaneef123]

6:48 best feeling in world when things go to plan

[@Timrud1]

Really enjoyed that, thanks

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

Would love a good SL320 😊great work SPR

[@jasoncairns2865]

Another great video guys.! Love the channel.! Keep em' coming.!

[@eddiecairns2623]

Another great video, thanks!

[@PB200559]

Excellent work as always on a really nice motor.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

You don't need a Vee engine, a solid in-line will do it with room to work.

[@pauldavies6037]

Great repair as usual Merc dealer would probably charge twice as much and not do the job as well as this

[@rolfschulze1219]

Good work ,good motor cheers Sam

[@Willyfarns]

❤love the r129 sl...... dream car for me, thabk you for this content

[@As_129sl]

Amazing work, keep them on the road!

[@tardeliesmagic]

Nice job & nice video, do wipe clean his ratchet after use....he wasn't happy 😆

[@Jack_JJS]

Great video lads, that green snapon box is gorgeous 🫣

[@sprautos]

Extreme green snap on call it. Love it

[@Jack_JJS]

@@sprautos yeah nice colour, I got a black box with emerald green trims 👌

[@asdreww]

These (same generation) are what I think of as proper Merc's

[@tomthepigeon6272]

Well done mate nice job

[@OlliRintamäki-x6l]

Thanks, great video!